FG Opens Up On Plan To Change National Anthem

• The Federal Government has urged the National Assembly to consult widely on the Nigerian National Anthem Bill before passing it.

• Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi criticized the expedited passage of the bill without sufficient stakeholder input.

• Fagbemi’s comments were made during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Interior.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that  the Federal Government has urged the National Assembly to subject the Nigerian National Anthem Bill to wider consultations before passing it.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made this statement on Monday in Abuja during a public hearing on the bill to revert to the old national anthem.

EDITOR’S PICK

• Air Peace Soars Above Allegations: UK Safety Concerns Cleared
• Wike’s Win: Abuja Light Rail Set For May 27 Inauguration By Tinubu
• Nigeria’s Big Bet: Boom Or Bust With Africa’s Biggest Refinery?

He pointed out that the House of Representatives accelerated the bill’s passage in a single sitting last Thursday, and the Senate passed it through first and second readings without adequate stakeholder consultation.

Speaking at the hearing, jointly organized by the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Interior, Fagbemi emphasized that lawmakers should have sought opinions from other stakeholders before advancing the bill.

He said there was a need for a wider process where Nigerians and other arms and tiers of government would participate in the decision to revert to the old national anthem before it finally becomes law.

Fagbemi specifically proposed consultations through zonal public hearings and resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies, etc.

He said: “Consequently, it is my considered view that the decision to change Nigeria’s National Anthem, whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen participation through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies, etc.

FURTHER READING

• Reps Warn Cement Manufacturers Over Price Hikes
• 7 Incredible Health Benefits Of Ginger
• FG Moves To Reconstitute University Councils Amid ASUU Ultimatum

“The outcome of this process is bound to be a true reflection of the wishes of the generality or majority of Nigerians. I thank you all for granting me the audience to contribute my thoughts to this national cause.”

Click here to watch our video of the week: